Tariq Mahmood Awan

Shakespearian Masterclass of Universality: A Writer of All Times & Ages

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in history, and his works have had a profound influence on the English language and literature. He was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, and began his career as an actor and writer in London in the late 16th century.

Shakespeare’s plays are known for their complex characters, intricate plots, and rich language. He wrote a total of 38 plays, including tragedies like “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “King Lear,” comedies like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Much Ado About Nothing,” and historical dramas like “Henry V” and “Richard III.”

Shakespeare’s plays were performed at the Globe Theatre, which was built in 1599 and located in London. The Globe was a round, open-air theatre that could hold up to 3,000 people, and it was known for its rowdy and raucous audiences.

Shakespeare’s influence on the English language cannot be overstated. He contributed over 1,700 words to the English language, and his plays are filled with memorable quotes and phrases that are still used today. Shakespeare’s works have also been translated into every major language, and they continue to be performed and studied around the world.
One of the reasons Shakespeare’s plays have endured for centuries is their universality. Despite being written several hundred years ago, the themes and characters in Shakespeare’s plays are still relevant today, and they resonate with audiences from all backgrounds and cultures.

Shakespeare’s plays explore universal themes such as love, jealousy, ambition, betrayal, and revenge, which are timeless and cross-cultural. The characters in his plays are complex and multi-dimensional, and they face dilemmas and conflicts that are relatable to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Furthermore, Shakespeare was a master at capturing the human condition, and his plays delve into the depths of human emotion and behaviour. He explored the intricacies of human relationships, the complexities of power dynamics, and the consequences of actions, all of which are still relevant today.

Shakespeare’s plays have also been adapted and translated into countless languages and cultures, which speaks to their universality. They have been performed in diverse settings, from traditional stages to modern settings, and they continue to be studied and analyzed by scholars and students around the world.

In short, Shakespeare’s plays are universal because they touch on fundamental aspects of the human experience that are relevant across time and culture.
“Hamlet” is one of Shakespeare’s most famous and often-performed plays. It tells the story of Prince Hamlet of Denmark, who is haunted by the ghost of his father, the former king. The ghost reveals that he was murdered by Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius, who has since taken the throne and married Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude.

Consumed by grief and anger, Hamlet sets out to avenge his father’s murder. However, he struggles with indecision and self-doubt, and his actions ultimately lead to a series of tragic events. Along the way, Hamlet grapples with complex philosophical questions about morality, existence, and the nature of revenge.

The play is known for its rich language, complex characters, and intricate plot. It features some of Shakespeare’s most famous lines, including “to be or not to be” and “something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” The play also includes memorable supporting characters like the witty and cynical courtier Polonius and the ill-fated lovers Ophelia and Laertes.

“Hamlet” is a timeless exploration of human nature, and its themes of grief, revenge, and the search for meaning continue to resonate with audiences today. Like Hamlet, all his plays are attributed to be universal, which is the hallmark of his writing skills. His subjects and technical way of writing are equally impressive. The subjects are varied and intuitive, creating a universal theme and expression. His characterization is also vital; he often, through his characters, talks the human emotions and feelings. His characters relate to aristocracy and to the common person. He sets the tone of his plays either with the introduction of powerful scenes and characters or, later on, subsequently unfolds the theme, characters and plot. Apart from technical strength, his plays are an expression of human feelings, sentiments and desires.